Wyoming ROCKS! The Art of our Geology is free and open to the public. It kicks off the start of 2018 Earth Science Week (Oct. 14–20), a national and international event that tips its hat to earth sciences such as geology and paleontology. Activities will have an artistic twist since this year’s theme, “Earth as Inspiration,” emphasizes expression as a unique, powerful opportunity for geoscience education and understanding in the 21st century.

Activities include creating geologic formation sand art, learning the three rock types using sweet treats, and a sandbox art competition. The UW Art Museum will be at the event with its ArtMobile, and the UW Coe Student Innovation Center will have 3D printing.

Also, the UW Harry C. Vaughan Planetarium is offering shows free of charge at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Over the course of civilization, humanity has looked to the night sky as a giant artistic tapestry. The show, called “The Art of Seeing Exo-Planets,” will offer attendees a chance to see planets in the solar system using scientific evidence and artistic inspiration.

“Geology, especially Wyoming geology, is an incredibly inspiring science that can and has been expressed in art, film, music, poetry, literature, and even textiles,” says Dr. Laura Vietti, UW Geological Museum and Collections Manager. “We are working with a great team of collaborators this year.”

New to the celebration is a judged art contest. The Wyoming Landscape – Past or Present Art Contest is open to all ages and can be medium of choice depicting a landscape from any geologic time period in Wyoming. Submissions can be up to 3 feet by 2 feet in size, and they must include on the back your name, age, phone number, time period depicted in the piece, and any other relevant information about the landscape.

Entries can be dropped off at the UW Geological Museum or next door at the WSGS before 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 12. Entries will be judged by event attendees, and prizes will be awarded in each age category.

“From the water we drink, to the ground on which we build our homes, earth science is part of every day. This event is an opportunity for all ages to discover more about this fascinating branch of science,” she adds.

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has organized Earth Science Week since 1998 with the intent of helping the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for earth science and to encourage stewardship of the earth. Learn more on the AGI website at: http://www.earthsciweek.org/about-esw.

For more information about the event, visit the WSGS education website or www.uwyo.edu/geomuseum. Event organizers can be emailed at geolmus@uwyo.edu or christina.george@wyo.gov.